North West Highlands Geopark (2016) North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
Additional notes: These web pages are sourced from the PDF North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
NWHG Ref. 036 — Ben More Assynt, Conival and Na Tuadhan
Location, grid reference and photograph
The mountains of Ben More Assynt, Conival and Na Tuadhan form the highest ground in central Assynt, approximately 7 km east and south-east of Inchnadamph, Grid Ref.
GCR site reference, block, volume and notified feature of SSSI?
GCR Ref. 1309, Moine Block, Vol. 34. Notified feature of Ben More Assynt SSSI.
Description and geological significance
These mountain areas are representative of the central part of the Assynt Culmination and contain excellent exposures of the Ben More Thrust and its associated structures. There are exceptional large-scale exposures of thrusts and related folds. The area is internationally important as a classic location for the demonstration of thrust structures.
Accessibility
The area lies within a very remote and mountainous area of Assynt requiring an initial entry walk of about 6 km and some steep climbs up mountainous slopes. No all abilities access possible, therefore.
Conservation
No conservation requirement due to the immense scale and location of the site area.
Visibility and “clarity”
The majority of key features can be seen from a distance but it is still necessary to walk to selected viewpoints.
Interpretation and interpretation potential
The area is renowned as a teaching and research area for the study of the Ben More Thrust and its associated structures. There is considerable further potential to develop the area as an educational resource for universities, students and researchers. The site is featured as a walk in the guidebook “Exploring the landscape of Assynt”. Selected localities within this vast area should certainly be included in a future Geopark guide and guided walks for both geological specialists and also the general public could be planned.
Key references
BUTLER, R.W.H. 2009. Ben More Assynt — Conival — Na Tuadhan In Mendum, J. R., Barber, A. J., Butler, R. W. H., Flinn, D., Goodenough, K. M., Krabbendam, M., Park, R. G. & Stewart, A. D. (eds) Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine rocks of Scotland. Geological Conservation Review Series, 34, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 281–285.
ELLIOTT, D. & JOHNSON, M.R.W. 1980. Structural evolution in the northern part of the Moine thrust belt, NW Scotland. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh: Earth Sciences, 71, 69–96.